Woman thought to be NZ's oldest dies at 110

Peg Griffin, 110, was thought to be NZ's oldest resident before her death at a rest home. Photo / Supplied

A woman believed to be New Zealand's oldest resident has died at the age of 110 at a rest home north of Wellington.

Peg Griffin had been a resident at Kapiti Rest Home for the last five years, manager Karin Hall said.

She said Ms Griffin died yesterday after suffering from a stroke last Thursday.

She had spent the weekend with family and friends by her side.

Ms Hall said Ms Griffin's grandson was with her when she died early yesterday.

Peg Griffin, who died aged 110. Photo / Supplied

According to a biography prepared for Ms Griffin's 110th birthday, she was born on May 25 1904 in Wellington, Ms Hall said.

Born Eleanor, she got her nickname Peg after the musical, Peg of my Heart.

Ms Griffin and her sister Nancy attended Queen Margaret College, where they were boarders, and were soon joined by their other two sisters. Their brother attended Scots College.

Once she finished studying, Ms Griffin spent time working on a farm before becoming one of the first Karitane nurses in Wellington.

She then moved to England where she was married in 1935 and had three children, she returned to New Zealand in 1948 where she raised her three children on her own.

Over her life Ms Griffin had an interest in photography and gardening.

Ms Griffin's sister Betty turned 105 last month at a rest home in Blenheim. She made the trip up last year for her sister's 109th birthday, Ms Hall said.

She said Ms Griffin had been walking until she was 108 but in the last two years was using a walker.

"She never went for an afternoon nap or anything, she was a bit of a late sleeper so she would get up late in the morning... But she would spend the rest of the day up, in the lounge taking part in all the activities, she was a big part of everything here."

Ms Griffin was also the country's oldest voter in this year's election, Ms Hall said.

A long-time National supporter, she got the chance to meet the Prime Minister John Key at Coastlands in Paraparaumu earlier this year, Ms Hall said.

"She was definitely a vocal National supporter."

Ms Hall said Ms Griffin, who was full of character, would be sorely missed by staff and residents of the home.